A method and device are disclosed from the perspective of a relay UE. In one embodiment, the relay UE establishes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with a network node. The relay UE also transmits a Layer 2. Identity (L2ID) of the relay UE to the network node. Furthermore, the relay UE receives a local UE Identity (ID) for a remote UE and a L2ID of the remote UE from the network node. In addition, the relay UE establishes a PC5 connection with the remote UE. The relay UE further receives a first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message from the remote UE. The relay UE also transmits the first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the network node, wherein the first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message is included in an adaptation layer Protocol Data Unit (PDU) for transmission and the local UE ID for the remote UE is included in a header of the adaptation layer PDU.
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2. The method of claim 1, where the local UE ID for the remote UE and the L2ID of the remote UE are included in a RRC Reconfiguration message transmitted from the network node to the relay UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving relay communication between user equipment (UE) devices. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure identification of relayed UEs in a network, particularly in scenarios where a relay UE facilitates communication between a remote UE and a network node. The invention describes a method where a network node transmits a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Reconfiguration message to a relay UE. This message includes both a local UE identifier (local UE ID) and a Layer 2 identifier (L2ID) for a remote UE. The local UE ID is used to uniquely identify the remote UE within the relay UE's context, while the L2ID is used for lower-layer communication between the relay UE and the remote UE. By including both identifiers in the RRC Reconfiguration message, the network node ensures that the relay UE can correctly associate the remote UE with the appropriate communication parameters and security configurations. This improves the reliability and efficiency of relayed communication by reducing misidentification risks and ensuring proper synchronization between the network and the relay UE. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple UEs are relayed through a single relay UE, requiring precise identification and management of each remote UE.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the RRC Reconfiguration message includes a Uu Radio Link Control (RLC) channel configuration and/or a PC5 or Sidelink (SL) RLC channel configuration for forwarding the first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the network node via the relay UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for configuring radio link control (RLC) channels in relay communication scenarios. The problem addressed involves efficiently forwarding signaling messages between a user equipment (UE) and a network node through a relay UE, ensuring reliable and properly configured communication channels. The method involves transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Reconfiguration message from a network node to a UE, where the message includes configurations for both Uu (UE-to-network) and PC5 (UE-to-UE sidelink) RLC channels. These configurations enable the UE to forward an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the network node via the relay UE. The Uu RLC channel configuration ensures proper communication between the UE and the relay UE, while the PC5 or Sidelink (SL) RLC channel configuration facilitates direct UE-to-UE communication. This dual-configuration approach optimizes relay-assisted communication by dynamically adapting to the network's requirements and the relay UE's capabilities, improving signaling efficiency and reliability in relay scenarios. The invention enhances the flexibility and robustness of wireless communication systems by ensuring seamless message forwarding through relay UEs.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the relay UE is a Layer-2 UE-to-Network Relay.
A method for wireless communication involves a relay user equipment (UE) that facilitates data transmission between a remote UE and a network. The relay UE operates as a Layer-2 UE-to-Network Relay, meaning it forwards data between the remote UE and the network at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. This relay function enables the remote UE, which may have limited connectivity or power constraints, to communicate with the network through the relay UE. The relay UE establishes a direct connection with the network while maintaining a separate connection with the remote UE, ensuring seamless data transfer. The method includes the relay UE receiving data from the remote UE, processing it at Layer 2, and forwarding it to the network. Similarly, the relay UE receives data from the network, processes it at Layer 2, and forwards it to the remote UE. This approach enhances connectivity for remote UEs in scenarios where direct network access is challenging, such as in dense urban areas or indoor environments with weak signals. The relay UE may also manage resource allocation and error handling to ensure reliable communication. The method optimizes network efficiency by leveraging existing UE devices as relays, reducing the need for additional infrastructure.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the L2ID of the relay UE is transmitted to the network node via a SidelinkUEInformationNR message.
A method for transmitting a Layer 2 Identifier (L2ID) of a relay User Equipment (UE) to a network node in a wireless communication system. The system involves relay UEs that facilitate communication between other UEs and the network, particularly in scenarios where direct communication is challenging. The method addresses the need for efficient and reliable transmission of relay UE identifiers to enable proper network management and resource allocation. The L2ID is a unique identifier used for sidelink communication, ensuring proper routing and coordination between devices. The transmission occurs via a SidelinkUEInformationNR message, which is a standardized message format used for conveying sidelink-related information between UEs and the network. This message includes the L2ID of the relay UE, allowing the network node to identify and manage the relay UE effectively. The method ensures that the network can accurately track and utilize relay UEs for optimal communication efficiency and reliability. The transmission process is designed to be seamless and integrated into existing communication protocols, minimizing additional overhead while ensuring accurate identifier propagation. This approach enhances the overall performance of relay-assisted communication in wireless networks.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network node is a gNB.
A method for managing wireless communication in a 5G network involves a network node, specifically a gNB (next-generation NodeB), which serves as the base station in 5G New Radio (NR) systems. The gNB is responsible for handling radio resource management, mobility management, and communication with user equipment (UE) devices. The method includes configuring the gNB to dynamically adjust its operational parameters, such as transmission power, beamforming settings, or scheduling policies, to optimize network performance. This adjustment may be based on real-time data, such as UE mobility patterns, channel conditions, or network load, to enhance spectral efficiency, reduce interference, and improve overall system capacity. The gNB may also coordinate with other network nodes, such as other gNBs or core network elements, to ensure seamless handover and efficient resource allocation. The method aims to address challenges in 5G networks, including high data rates, low latency requirements, and the need for reliable connectivity in dense deployment scenarios. By dynamically adapting its configuration, the gNB can better support diverse services, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). The method ensures efficient use of network resources while maintaining high-quality service for end users.
8. The relay UE of claim 7, where the local UE ID for the remote UE and the L2ID of the remote UE are included in a RRC Reconfiguration message transmitted from the network node to the relay UE.
A relay user equipment (UE) device facilitates communication between a remote UE and a network node in a wireless communication system. The relay UE establishes a direct connection with the remote UE and acts as an intermediary for data transmission. The relay UE assigns a local UE identifier (ID) to the remote UE and maps this local UE ID to a layer 2 identifier (L2ID) used for communication with the network node. The local UE ID and L2ID for the remote UE are included in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Reconfiguration message sent from the network node to the relay UE. This message configures the relay UE to manage the relayed connection, ensuring proper identification and routing of data between the remote UE and the network. The relay UE uses the local UE ID to distinguish the remote UE from other devices it may be relaying for, while the L2ID enables the network node to correctly process and route the relayed data. This system improves connectivity for remote UEs that may be outside direct network coverage or have limited connectivity options.
9. The relay UE of claim 8, wherein the RRC Reconfiguration message includes a Uu Radio Link Control (RLC) channel configuration and/or a PC5 or Sidelink (SL) RLC channel configuration for forwarding the first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the network node via the relay UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving relay communication between user equipment (UE) devices and network nodes. The problem addressed is the efficient and reliable transmission of signaling messages, particularly RRC (Radio Resource Control) Reconfiguration Complete messages, through a relay UE to a network node. The solution involves configuring specific radio link control (RLC) channels for both the Uu interface (between the relay UE and the network) and the PC5 or sidelink (SL) interface (between the relay UE and the remote UE). The relay UE receives an RRC Reconfiguration message from the network node, which includes configurations for these RLC channels. These configurations enable the relay UE to properly forward the RRC Reconfiguration Complete message from the remote UE to the network node. The RLC channel configurations ensure proper data handling, error correction, and prioritization, improving the reliability and efficiency of relayed signaling in wireless networks. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where direct communication between the remote UE and the network is unavailable or suboptimal, leveraging relay UEs to maintain connectivity.
10. The relay UE of claim 7, wherein the relay UE is a Layer-2 UE-to-Network Relay.
A Layer-2 UE-to-Network Relay is a relay user equipment (UE) device that facilitates communication between remote UEs and a cellular network by operating as an intermediary. This relay UE establishes a direct wireless link with the remote UEs and forwards their data to the network infrastructure, effectively extending network coverage to areas with weak or no direct connectivity. The relay UE handles Layer-2 functions, such as medium access control (MAC) and logical link control (LLC), ensuring reliable data transmission between the remote UEs and the network. It may operate in licensed or unlicensed spectrum bands and supports various wireless communication standards, including 4G LTE and 5G NR. The relay UE can dynamically adjust its relaying capabilities based on network conditions, remote UE requirements, and available resources. This technology addresses the challenge of providing seamless connectivity in scenarios where direct network access is limited, such as in rural areas, indoor environments, or during temporary network outages. The relay UE may also implement security measures to protect data integrity and privacy during transmission. By acting as a transparent bridge, it enables remote UEs to access network services without requiring modifications to their existing communication protocols.
11. The relay UE of claim 7, wherein the L2ID of the relay UE is transmitted to the network node via a SidelinkUEInformationNR message.
A relay user equipment (UE) device is configured to facilitate communication between a remote UE and a network node in a wireless communication system. The relay UE establishes a sidelink connection with the remote UE and a direct connection with the network node, enabling data relay between the remote UE and the network node. The relay UE assigns a Layer 2 identifier (L2ID) to the remote UE to manage sidelink communications. This L2ID is transmitted to the network node via a SidelinkUEInformationNR message, allowing the network node to identify and manage the relayed communication. The relay UE may also handle resource allocation, signal quality reporting, and relay capability signaling to optimize communication efficiency. The system addresses challenges in extending network coverage to remote UEs by leveraging relay UEs to maintain reliable connectivity in areas with weak or no direct network access. The relay UE ensures seamless data transmission while minimizing latency and resource overhead.
12. The relay UE of claim 7, wherein the network node is a gNB.
A relay user equipment (UE) device is configured to facilitate communication between a remote UE and a network node, specifically a gNB (next-generation NodeB) in a 5G or NR (New Radio) network. The relay UE establishes a direct communication link with the gNB, acting as an intermediary to relay data between the remote UE and the network. This setup is particularly useful in scenarios where the remote UE lacks a direct connection to the gNB, such as in areas with poor signal coverage or when the remote UE is power-constrained. The relay UE may use sidelink communication protocols to exchange data with the remote UE while maintaining a stable connection to the gNB. This architecture improves network coverage, reduces power consumption for remote UEs, and enhances overall system efficiency by leveraging direct links to the gNB. The relay UE may also support additional features like mobility management, resource allocation, and quality-of-service (QoS) handling to ensure reliable data transmission. The solution addresses challenges in extending network reach and maintaining connectivity in edge or high-mobility environments.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first RRC Reconfiguration message includes a Uu Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) configuration and/or a PC5 (or Sidelink (SL)) Radio Link Control (RLC) channel configuration for forwarding the first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the network node via the relay UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for configuring and managing radio resource control (RRC) signaling in relay communication scenarios. The problem addressed is the efficient and reliable transmission of RRC messages between a user equipment (UE) and a network node, particularly when the UE communicates via a relay UE. The invention focuses on optimizing the configuration of signaling radio bearers (SRBs) and sidelink (PC5/SL) radio link control (RLC) channels to ensure proper forwarding of RRC messages through the relay UE. The method involves transmitting a first RRC Reconfiguration message from a network node to a UE, where the message includes configurations for a Uu interface SRB and/or a PC5/SL RLC channel. These configurations enable the UE to forward a subsequent RRC Reconfiguration Complete message back to the network node via the relay UE. The SRB configuration ensures reliable signaling over the Uu interface, while the PC5/SL RLC channel configuration facilitates direct communication between the UE and the relay UE. This dual-configuration approach enhances flexibility and reliability in relay-based communication scenarios, ensuring seamless message delivery even when direct communication with the network node is unavailable. The invention improves the efficiency and robustness of RRC signaling in relay-assisted wireless networks.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the L2ID of the relay UE is received from the relay UE via a first SidelinkUEInformationNR message.
A method for wireless communication involves managing relay user equipment (UE) identification in a cellular network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable identification of relay UEs in a network to facilitate direct communication between devices without relying solely on base station infrastructure. The method includes receiving a Layer 2 identifier (L2ID) of a relay UE from the relay UE itself. This identifier is transmitted via a first SidelinkUEInformationNR message, which is a signaling message used in 5G New Radio (NR) systems for sidelink communication. The L2ID is a unique identifier assigned at the data link layer to distinguish the relay UE from other devices in the network. The method ensures that the relay UE can be accurately identified and managed within the network, enabling seamless sidelink communication between UEs. This approach improves communication efficiency and reliability in scenarios where direct device-to-device communication is preferred, such as in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or machine-type communications (MTC). The method may also include additional steps such as configuring the relay UE with the L2ID or updating the identifier based on network conditions. The use of the SidelinkUEInformationNR message ensures compatibility with existing 5G NR standards while optimizing relay UE identification processes.
17. The method of claim 13, where the local UE ID for the remote UE and the L2ID of the remote UE are included in a second RRC Reconfiguration message transmitted from the network node to the relay UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing relay communication between a relay user equipment (UE) and a remote UE. The problem addressed is the efficient establishment and maintenance of relay connections, particularly in scenarios where direct communication between the remote UE and the network is impaired or unavailable. The method involves a network node, such as a base station, facilitating relay communication by assigning and transmitting identifiers to the relay UE. A local UE identifier (local UE ID) and a layer 2 identifier (L2ID) are generated for the remote UE and included in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Reconfiguration message sent to the relay UE. The local UE ID uniquely identifies the remote UE within the relay UE's context, while the L2ID is used for lower-layer communication between the relay UE and the remote UE. This ensures proper routing of data packets between the remote UE and the network via the relay UE. The method may also involve the relay UE forwarding the local UE ID and L2ID to the remote UE to establish the relay link. The invention improves relay communication efficiency by standardizing identifier assignment and transmission, reducing signaling overhead and ensuring reliable data transmission.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second RRC Reconfiguration message includes a Uu Radio Link Control (RLC) channel configuration and/or a PC5 or Sidelink (SL) RLC channel configuration for forwarding the first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to the network node via the relay UE.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for configuring radio link control (RLC) channels in relay communication scenarios involving user equipment (UE) devices. The problem addressed is the efficient and reliable transmission of signaling messages, such as RRC (Radio Resource Control) Reconfiguration Complete messages, between a relay UE and a network node, particularly when the relay UE forwards these messages on behalf of another UE. The method involves configuring RLC channels for both the Uu interface (between the UE and the network) and the PC5 or Sidelink (SL) interface (between the relay UE and the UE it is assisting). The second RRC Reconfiguration message, sent by the network node, includes configurations for these RLC channels. The Uu RLC channel configuration ensures proper transmission of the first RRC Reconfiguration Complete message from the relay UE to the network node. Similarly, the PC5 or SL RLC channel configuration ensures the relay UE can forward the message to the network node via the sidelink interface. This dual-configuration approach optimizes reliability and efficiency in relay-assisted communication, reducing latency and improving signaling integrity in scenarios where direct communication between the UE and the network is unavailable or suboptimal. The method enhances the robustness of relay-based communication in wireless networks.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the L2ID of the remote UE is transmitted to the network node via a second SidelinkUEInformationNR message.
A method for transmitting a Layer 2 Identifier (L2ID) of a remote User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system involves sending the L2ID to a network node. The L2ID is transmitted via a second SidelinkUEInformationNR message, which is a signaling message used in wireless networks to convey information between UEs and network nodes. This method is part of a broader process for managing sidelink communications, where UEs communicate directly with each other without relying on a central network infrastructure. The L2ID is a unique identifier used to distinguish different UEs in the sidelink communication layer, ensuring proper routing and management of data packets. The transmission of the L2ID via the second SidelinkUEInformationNR message allows the network node to track and manage the remote UE's sidelink activities, enabling efficient resource allocation and interference management. This method is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple UEs are communicating over sidelink channels, such as in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) or device-to-device (D2D) communication systems. The use of a dedicated message ensures that the L2ID is reliably delivered to the network node, supporting seamless and secure sidelink operations.
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July 8, 2022
December 20, 2022
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